FAA Issues Part 107 Waivers, Airspace Authorizations

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began issuing Part 107 waivers and airspace authorizations to drone operators starting August 29, 2016, the effective date of the new rule.  As of October 24, 2016, the agency has approved 81 authorizations for flights in Class D and E airspace, and has issued 36 waivers of Part 107 provisions to drone operators who applied after the rule’s effective date. However, the agency has found … Read More

Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team Holds First Meeting

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The Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team (UAST), held its first meeting October 18-19 in Washington, DC. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced the creation of the UAST at the White House Drone Day on August 2. The group, which includes a wide variety of stakeholders from the drone and aviation industries, as well as the government, gathered to analyze data to enhance safety and operations of drones in the nation’s airspace. The UAST … Read More

The FAA’s New Drone Rules Are Effective Today for Non-Recreational Use

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The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new comprehensive regulations go into effect today for routine non-recreational use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – more popularly known as “drones.” The provisions of the new rule – formally known as Part 107 – are designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground. A summary is available here.  The FAA has put several processes in place to … Read More

Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule Part 107 Summary

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Because of the potential societally beneficial applications of small UAS, the FAA has been seeking to incorporate the operation of these systems into the national airspace system (NAS) since 2008. Small UAS or Drones also have safety concerns which must be carefully considered and rules provided. In 2012, Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95). Section 333 of Public Law 112-95 directed the Secretary to determine … Read More

DOT and FAA Finalize Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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Regulations will create new opportunities for business and government to use drones WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has finalized the first operational rules (PDF) for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or “drones”), opening pathways towards fully integrating UAS into the nation’s airspace. These new regulations work to harness new innovations safely, to spur job growth, advance critical scientific research and save lives. “We … Read More